Childbirth And Coronavirus: The Pandemic’s Toll On Atlanta Mothers And Midwives

The coronavirus pandemic has made pregnancy and childbirth more complicated and stressful for mothers who don’t necessarily want to deliver in a hospital.

Lily Oppenheimer / WABE

Women going into labor at metro Atlanta hospitals can expect limits on the number of relatives, spouses, or birthing coaches who can be close by during the coronavirus pandemic.

For high-risk pregnancies or mothers with existing health conditions like hypertension and diabetes, delivering in a hospital is their safest option, according to Dr. Denise Jamieson, an obstetrician at Emory Healthcare. 

“Even during a pandemic, a hospital or licensed birth facility is the safest place to have a baby,” said Jamieson, who practices at Grady Memorial Hospital.